Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Bonaire

The Cliff may be found off-shore from The Hamlet resort. 2.5 km North of Kralendijk, just North the intersection of Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas and Kaya Amsterdam.

La Machaca is located off the docks of Captain Don's Habitat. The facilities are excellent here: outside bar, restaurant, dive shop, photo shop. Please check in with the dive shop before unloading your gear. One of the best house reefs on the island of Bonaire. Great abundance of corals and reef fish along with resident tarpons and moray eels. 2.5 km North of Kralendijk, just North the intersection of Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas and Kaya Amsterdam. La Machaca is also known as Captain Don's Habitat House Reef.

Buddy's Reef is off the docks of Buddy's Dive Resort. Please check in with their dive shop before gearing up. 2.5 km North of Kralendijk, just North the intersection of Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas and Kaya Amsterdam.

Boca Slagbaai is a wonderful beach that, unfortunately, was ravaged by the extremely rare hurricane of 1999. Many of the facilities and buildings on this beach were damaged. As repairs are made and concessions begin operations again, we'll put a note in this section. This is a great beach to spend the day with the kids. See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

Margate Bay is nice, remote diving spot. 1.2 km South of White Slave.

Angel City offers another excellent view of the double reef system. 2.4 km North of the Salt Pier.

The Salt Pier is one of the most spectacular dives. The pilings harbor some interesting growth that you won't find easily elsewhere. Since you will need permission from the Cargill Salt Company, make plans early with your local dive shop to schedule this dive. 5.9 km South of the Airport. If you miss this one, you're sleeping!

Andrea II is small private site just North of Andrea I. The site offers easy entry, and is just minutes away from an excellent dive. see Andrea I for the entrance directions.

The double reef system continuation. 1.4 km North of the Salt Pier.

Another in the series of dive sites along the double reef system. 1.7 km North of the Salt Pier.

Bari Reef is found off the shore of the Sand Dollar Condominiums. After the tragic loss of their superb dive facility, docks, and restaurant during the Storm of '99, they put in a temporary facility on the Southern side of their property. As of February 2001, the rebuilding is in progress. 2.5 km North of Kralendijk, just North the intersection of Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas and Kaya Amsterdam.

The further South you proceed, the more you can be assured of a private and intimate dive. Red Beryl is no exception! 2.1 km South of White Slave.

Popular with shore divers. Karpata is located at the end of the one-way section on the coastal road. Known for its good visibility and panorama views, this site is great for wide-angle photographers. Divers can pose by huge ship anchors embedded in the coral, or over branching colonies of elkhorn, which stretch from ten feet up to the surface. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters). Karpata is just to the East of the No Dive Zone, and offers some of the more spectacular diving on the island.On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.

Eighteenth Palm is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 3 ratings.

Windsock is located at the end of the airport runway. The beach is very popular for sunners, swimmers, kids, and of course, divers! At the end of the airport runway (ocean side!)

The Invisibles is another spectacular dive site. 650 m South of the Salt Pier.

Weber's Joy, also known as Witches Hut, is another easy and worthwhile dive. If the current is favorable, you can even drift dive to 1000 Steps which is about 1 km away. On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.

Calabas Reef is off the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, just South of town. Dock at Divi Flamingo, or enter at Chacha and swim south. Head south from Kralendijk on the main coastal road, less than 1km from the Town Pier.

Pink Beach is another fine beach for sunning -- kids and divers of all ages!. Bring a picnic lunch and plenty of drinks. A few shade palms line the upper stretch. 2.1 km South of the Salt Pier.

A more rugged site due to the proximity of the island's Southern most point, you'll enjoy the richness of more open-water sea life. 3.3 km South of White Slave.

Cai is a 4.7-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire South, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 10 ratings.

Something Special is a 4.7-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 10 ratings.

Salt City is another pleasant dive on the double reef. 400 m South of the Salt Pier.

Since White Slave is approaching a bend in the coast line, it offers a slightly varied seascape. You have to go over the amazing coralreef system to see turtles, barracudas, large schools of fish. On the way back to where you started, cruise over the sandy part and meet the whirling-the-sand eagle rays. We saw 4 at a single dive. White slave is a registered divesite and has a yellow stone on the roadside. Just plonge in and be amazed. The first set of slave huts you see heading South from the Salt Pier (about 2.7 km) will be White Slave.

Reef Scientifico is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

1000 Steps is probably just as famous for the grueling hike to and from the beach as it is for its world-class diving! Don't be dismayed-- there are only 72 steps from your car to the beach. If your dive buddy were a true buddy, he'd carry your tank for you! On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk. Off the entrance to Radio Netherlands.

This reef extends south of Bari Reef at the site of the former Sunset Beach Resort (now gone). Entry is a bit north of the sandy beach in the picture. 12 degrees 09 min 59.6 sec N, 68 degree 17 min 13.5 sec W. Drive toward the beach on the very rutted dirt road from the northern traffic circle, following the new yellow marker that points to Bari Reef. Enter the water at the sand beach to the left of the sunken pier and tiny yellow cinder-block building at the northern end of the site. You can also get to the southern end of the reef at the Eden Beach Resort and proceed north on the dirt road by the water.

Vista Blue is one of our favorites! Beautiful scenery, an easy entry, and a dramatic drop off. 2.7 km South of White Slave.

Alice In Wonderland is another excellent view of the double reef system, should the other sites have more than a couple of divers! 1.9 km North of the Salt Pier.

The Lake offers a great peek at the double reef system that stretches along this area. 500 m North of the Trans World Radio entrance (South of the Airport).

Red Slave is the last reasonable dive site on the Southern end of the island. It is more of an advanced dive due to its proximity to the point, so special care must be taken. Of the two sets of Slave Huts, (White and Red), Red Slave is the most Southern, just 3.3 km West of the Willemstoren Lighthouse.

Small Wall is also known as Hamlets Reef, Dive Friends Reef.

Oil Slick Leap is immediate gratification! Easy location, parking and entry. About 7 km North of Kralendijk, as the main road turns right to follow the sea.

Andrea I is a large site, with ample diving space so you won't be bumping into the one or two other divers that may share this spot with you! The entrance is about 5 km North of Kralendijk.

A very popular dive site, The Hilma Hooker, is a must-do dive. The 70 meter cargo ship was purposely sunk on this location back in 1984. It's a fascinating dive, if you've never had the opportunity to explore a vessel this size before. At a depth of 20 to 35 meters, you'll need to watch your air, depth and time carefully. 150 m North of the Trans World Radio entrance (South of the Airport).

La Dianas Leap is a recommended guided shore dive. This site has a colorful history! Back during the pioneering days of Bonaire-diving, Captain Don led groups of shore dives around the island. This site, definitely one of the more challenging on Bonaire (due to its blind leap into the water), was a good test of a diver's nerve! On one memorable day, only Diana (the sole female in the group of divers), was brave enough to leap off the coral cliff and complete the drift dive with Captain Don. Thus, she will always be remembered! On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.

From the aerial you can see how close you are to the rugged Eastern shore, so you'll probably see larger species of fish beginning here at Atlantis. 2.1 km South of White Slave.

Jeff Davis Memorial is another fine dive along this stretch of sites. The kick-out is minimal, so makes for a quick and easy dive to whatever depth you desire. On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.

The Town Pier is renowned for its wonderful night dive. You will need permission from the Harbor Master to dive here, and you must be led by dive operator staff. Although sometimes difficult to schedule, if you have a chance to experience this site, just do it! Off the one lane coastal road in Kralendijk.

Playa Funchi is an excellent dive. Easy entry, a short kick-out, and plenty of sights. There is even a bit of tree shade available. For night dive, bring your own shore light, there are NO lights visible for orientation. Last Dive must be done till 2:30 pm Easy access, sandy bottom with some corrals See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

Blue Hole is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Easy beach access

Tolo is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

A 15 knot breeze is typical, and rough surf not uncommon, and lots of little urchins in the walk-in [fall down, cant get up] area, so the entry is a challenge even for the experienced, and should not be done when it's gnarly. Briefly, you will see a gradual slope, mostly coral and gorgonians, looking a bit like a sloping desert sagebrush landscape, to about 65 feet where sand starts. There is no wall, just rises and depressions. You may see black tip reef and nurse sharks, turtles, rays, parrots, porcupines, chub, triggers, etc. Or you may not see much at all. It can be great, or dull here. Ride the current north or south. A typical dive plan is to take the current north from Baby Beach to a concrete pillar that's just south of the Marcultura fence, kadasterpaal pilar. From Kralendijk follow signs southeast toward Sorobon and Lac Bay. When you get to the Sorobon intersection, stay on the main road going to the right, south. Just ahead of you will be a fenced shrimp farm, Marcultura. The dive site is several hundred yards south in a straight section of the road with evidence of vehicles parking mostly on the east side, and not much room to park on the right, west side. If you see the waves crashing and birds flying inverted, just keep driving back around the south end of the island to Sweet Dreams or English Gardens. ;)

Lighthouse Point is a little difficult to find, but worth the drive. The reef is a bit more varied than other locations due to its being situated on a point. 2 km South of the airport, look for the landmark below.

North Belnem is located at the Southern end of Wind Sock. Just South of the airport runway.

Boca Bartol South makes for a good follow-on from Boca Bartol North if you just want to off-gas at this beach. If the current allows, try exploring the cliff area to the left. See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

Bachelor's Beach is a great little site, complete with picnic facilities. 800 m South of the airport.

Nukove is really out of the way, but not difficult to find with a good map. It is a beautiful cove and beach area where you'll have little, if any, company. The dive is easy and rewarding. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. You'll start your trek by turning right just before the Bonaire Petroleum Corporation storage tanks in the Karpata area.

This is the northern-most shore diving spot on Bonaire. Since the rugged Northeast coast is just a few km from this site, you can imagine that the diving could be a little dodgy. Pick a good day when the winds are from the South or Southeast, and you'll be able to explore some relatively unvisited areas. Hopefully, you have a good map that will get you to the Rincon Village! Once in the village, look for the signs that will point you to the Washington Park entrance. You then will wind your way through about 4 km of well-paved roads to get to the park.

Just one notch North of the Salt Pier, Jeannie's Glory offers some of the sights you might miss if you aren't able to dive the pier. 400 m North of the Salt Pier.

This is another perspective of the Slagbaai Beach, from the South. The area is a wonderful site to visit, if only to spend the day relaxing on the beach. See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

Typical southern site. A longer swim over the sand channel to the reef at 30 ft but nothing too bad. If you are looking for soft coral, then you have found the dive. Many sea fans and sponges here. This is an unmarked site on Bonaire and doesn't have a yellow rock in front of it. It's a bit tricky to find since the parking area is smaller than some but Susan Porter's very useful book, "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy" helped. The entry is in the southern part of Bonaire JUST south of the entry to Pink Beach and just north of the house at the white slave huts.

This is a high boat traffic area so stay low. It's almost right in the center of downtown along the main road. Swim over a sand channel to the reef. The best part of this dive (IMHO) is in the shallows. Also, fish like to hang out under the boats of the marine park moorings. You can reference Susan Porter's very useful book, "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy." That's how we found it. This is an unmarked site on Bonaire and doesn't have a yellow rock in front of it but instead, it's landmark is the dive shop of the same name. Just park along the street by the dive shop and walk in the water down the small slippery boat ramp. It's also a great snorkel!

The Willemstoren Lighthouse dive is for advanced divers, and then only when the conditions are right. The site is on the windward side of the island, so currents can be strong and unpredictable. Ask a dive guide to assist in the evaluation and also to join you on the dive. Drive South to the tip of the island. You can't miss it!

Playa Bengi is under construction as of February 2001. The park personnel are working hard to provide a good road and beach area for your enjoyment. The beach should be open to visitors by the Summer of 2001. See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

Just South of Light House Point you'll find Punt Vierkant. 800 m North of the Trans World Radio entrance (South of the Airport).

Boulders with a Mini wall, eels, turtles, stingrays... Just southwest of Fort Bay

What makes 18 Palm a great site to dive is the nice sandy beach entry. No broken up coral or sharp rocks. Suit up on a bench, not the back or a truck, and when you get back there are 2 outside showers to rinse off. There are also 2 buoy markers at 10 and 20 feet. Underneath the 20 foot marker is a square PVC pipe to better mark the entry/exit. We've stayed at the Plaza 5 times (going on 6 in July 2009) and to the island 6 times (going on 7 in July 2009). When staying at the Plaza we often found ourselves diving the site at least 3 times or more during our stay. Found frog fish, seahorses, octopus, Southern Sting Rays, Tarpon, various eels, large puffer-fish and other usual suspects. During our stay and dives there it is very common to meet other divers from other resorts diving the site. Upon their return we often hear very positive reviews on the site. Not only condition of the reef and marine life but of the entry/exit be very easy. (On the downside) If your not staying at The Plaza the only disadvantage is the distance from car parking lot to the beach itself. Have seen many divers park on the side of the Plaza where their employees park and go in that way which cuts down the distance some of hauling diving equipment. Hope this helps, Neptune Nick 18 Palm is located at The Plaza Resort and is their 'house reef.' The Plaza is located next to the airport and divers not staying at the resort are allowed to dive it.

hard and soft corals with blue tangs and spotted eagle rays Southeast side of Saba

Just out of Tent Bay

nurse sharks and moray eels SSE of Saba Island

Sarra's Smile is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Small interesting wreck at 29m max up about 100m to the north. Front Porch is located at the Sunset Beach Resort. Front Porch is also known as Sunset Beach.

A shore or boat dive, Windsock offers the novice diver the chance to cruise the area located at the end of the runway off Flamingo Airport. Divers often see turtles and rays. Park just south of Flamingo Airport at Windsock Public Beach. Walk into water. Windsock is also known as Riba Ruina.

Kalli's Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Jump in the water at the point more worn out. Away from the coast, 30 meters, is a beautiful wall (50 meters), which slows to meet with the grooves (canyons) of Karpata. Leave in Karpata because it is not comfortable returning to the same point. The path, at normal speed, it takes around an hour. For photographers and observers more details, take a reserve cylinder and control the depth. Known for the practice of "leaping" off the shore and then doing a drift dive to Karpata, this site has been recommended for intermediate divers. With light currents and depths of 5-30 meters, La Dania's is one of Bonaire's few vertical walls, with numerous canyons and sand shoots. Access by the road going to the north, to the Karpata. Attention because the site is not officially scheduled. There is a pile of stones on the left side of the road after a big curve that approaches the runway from the sea. Walk to the edge of the ravine where there is an indication in a rock Hafi Jolanda di!. Jump.

Great example of the marine life in and around Bonaire North shore of Klein Bonaire - interesting story for it's name ...

Many "do not touch me" sponges and an excellent sampling of the abundant marine life around Bonaire North side of Klein Bonaire Ebo's Reef is also known as Ebo's Special.

Bakadera is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Jerry's Jam is also known as Ebo's Special.

Keepsake is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Ti Amo Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

South Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Wayaca II is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Completely different from all other dive sites on Saba it offers a variety of options. Shallow dives around the big rocks close to the mooring line or deeper, following the channels in-between the rocks. At 30 m we saw a huge green moray eel and further to the left there is a beautiful wall filled with fire worms and nudibranchs. A good spot for macro photographers. Mantas have been spotted here along with eagle rays and sharks. Eastern side. Hard to locate cos there is a huge clound on the map :)

Delfin Beach Resort Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Difficult entry on the first 10-20 meters, Because the reef-top is only 30-50 cm deep. But you will see undestroyed corals at all.

1000 Steps is a shore or boat dive (actually, for the shore divers, 64 steps down to the site from the road and it seems like 1000 steps coming back up with scuba gear!). Currents are light and the novice diver will have a chance to observe hawksbill turtles and seahorse. This is a nice dive and especial place to photographers. See the map of diving in Bonaire. All sites are widely identified. Thousand Steps is also known as 1000 Steps.

Boka Slagbaai North is also known as Slagbaai.

Suit up with boots at the top. Carry your BC and tank. Walk down the well worn path to an area of very large but very loose rocks. Carefully walk south over the loose rocks until you reach the boundary of the rocky area and turn right (West). Climb up over the rocky deposits and descend to the rocky/gravelly beach. Playa Benge is also known as Playa Bengi.

The Point is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

It is closed to shore dive due an accident with two divers. Contact with a dive operator to dive boat only. Very nice dive. In the shallow you will see a lot of big parrotfish. The Windjammer change its position due a storm. Last dive site before BOPEC (Bonaire Petroleum). Windjammer is also known as Mary Bahn.

Reef that slopes down to 34 meters. cross the sand channel for the second reef were you will find schooling tarpon, follow the reef you will find the point were the 2 reefs connect. lots of coral blocks, barracuda and tarpon. sometimes an eagle ray is digging in the sand From the beach. This site is in front of the Lt. Governor's house. This house has at least 18 palm trees in the front yard, so its name. Access is from the NW entrance at Plaza Resort (it is also the house reef of this resort). Eighteen Palms is also known as 18th Palm.

Klein Bonaire east Jerry`s reef is also known as Jerry Sponges.

Eden Resort is also known as Eden Beach.

Baby Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Carel's Vision is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Bise Morto is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

A no-kidding experienced dive only, off the beaten path. The entry point, waves and surge are very serious, but IMHO this is the best dive on Bonaire for viz, formations, variety, and isolation. You see big cuda's, morays, big parrots, a cave, and its a very cool cove with waves breaking above the vertical edges of the cove. See my review for safe entry and exit and a suggested route. I have photos of the cove from the road, the crevice entry point, the cave, and the waves crashing over the cove walls from below with Kate and a big 'cuda just below the waves very cool stuff. See link http://community.webshots.com/album/105517094jAlIwh From Kralendijk follow signs to Lagoen on Kaminda Lagun road. The road will end after going through a lakebed at a bay near Washikemba. Just before you drive off the east side of Bonaire into the ocean you will see a restaurant at the end of the road, and just before this restaurant you will turn left up a dirt road where you'll see a shack up the hill a ways. You will pass to the left of the shack up the hill, and on top of the hill you will take a fork to the right going between two old masonry gate posts. There are some forks off to the right which go over towards the ocean and dead-end, but you'll stay on the main dirt road winding your way toward the Spelonk lighthouse. There will be some more forks when you get closer to the lighthouse that end near it, but again stay on the road going past it several hundred yards north of the lighthouse. You will see some coves before this, but the Spelonk cove is closer to the road with a gradual walk down to the south edge where you enter through a small 3-foot wide crevice.

Chez Hines is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Advanced divers only. There is a dive operator to dive by boat. Visit the Google Earth and you will see clearly the shape of this dive site. You will find a lot of Tarpoons. Current: Sometimes very strong. Off Lac Bay. Once parked, there is a long walk in shallow water to the drop-off. White Hole is also known as Blue Hole.

Just south of the Saba airport

Approx half a mile east of Well's Bay

Northeast of Well's Bay, just east of Diamond Rock.

You must get through very low vis. (3 metres) channel to get to the drop-off. Don't be scared if Ealge rays and BIGGGG Tarpons (70 pcs.)cruise by at 2 metres. Best dive of Bonaire IMHO. From shore. Registered Bonaire dive. Lac Bay is also known as Lac Cai, Lac Cay.

gorgonians, black corals, parrotfish, queen angels... North side of Saba Island.

A very famous and popular dive site. Species: Stingrays, Gurnards, Jacks. Southwest side of Saba; off Torrens Punt.

Blacktip Sharks, Bottlenose Dolphins, Queen Angels, Gorgonians (Purple Sea Fans), Sea Whips... David's Drop-Off on the eastern side of Saba; between Hole in the Corner and Core Gut. The dive site is marked by a white mooring.

Sea Saba will show you the Heart shaped rock formation with all its ventricles and veins.